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Sigfrid Karg-Elert
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Ach Gott und Herr, Op. 65, No. 34 Click to Listen, [1:50]
The gentle rocking accompaniment is derived from the first 4 notes of the Chorale, and is used in both inversions. Chorale appears in the pedal. Chromatic alterations and dynamic instructions point it in the sentimental direction despite these Baroque devices. "Equal" temperament, Impulse reverberation added. This is a setting of verse 4 that differs from lyrics below: "Zeuch uns nach dir nur für und für und gib, daß wir nachfahren . . . [double time] dir in dein Reich, und mach uns gleich den auserwählten Scharen. Instrument: Schantz at First Baptist Church of Riverside, California (1966) sampled by Jonathan Orwig

Chorale Text
German:
Ach Gott und Herr,
Wie gross und schwer
Sind mein begangne Sünden!
Da ist niemand,
Der helfen kann,
In dieser Welt zu finden.

2. Lief ich gleich wit
Zu dieser Zeit
Bis an der Welt ihr Enden
Und wollt los sein
Des Kreuzes mein,
Würd ich doch solchs nicht wenden.
--Johann Major, 1613

English:
1. Alas, my God, my sins are great,
My conscience doth upbraid me;
And now I find that at my strait
No man hath power to aid me.

2. And fled I hence in my despair
In some lone spot to hide me,
My griefs would still be with me there
And peace still be denied me.
--tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863

Audio track was created with Hauptwerk v. 2 software